As Tens and Team Scotland announce their partnership for the 2026 Glasgow Commonwealth Games, we hear from Steve Henry, Creative Director of the Scottish sunglasses brand about why they are excited to get involved… 

1. Can you tell us about Tens Sunglasses, how did it all begin? 

Tens was started by 3 photographers and filmmakers while driving through the Highlands. They wanted to take the rich, warm colours we add to our photos and apply them to real life. And so, countless rounds of prototypes and a crowdfunding campaign later, Tens came to life. Our custom filter lenses immerse you in a world reminiscent of a distinct time, place or feeling – an experience you’ll want to revisit time and time again. Each lens has a unique feel inspired by some of our favourite photography and films. 

2. Why did Tens want to get involved with Team Scotland and the Commonwealth Games? 

Good question! Whilst Tens isn’t really a sports sunglasses brand, when you have these big events like the Commonwealth Games you just get that amazing buzz in the city, and we’re all about good vibes and making the world look better with our filters. I think that with sport you just get that energy in the city, and with it being our home Games and Team Scotland, we just couldn’t resist and wanted to be involved in any way we could. 

3. What are you going to be doing during the Games? 

Obviously rooting for Team Scotland. But we’re going to be out and about capturing content in Glasgow. We’re going to be out there looking for the good vibes and looking for those good stories. In any Games you’ve always got Eddie the Eagle or Eric the Eel, we’re going to be trying to capture that and find people out just bringing the joy and generally seeing what’s going on around Glasgow during the Games. 

4. What sports are you most looking forward to? 

I think all of them really. I love anything on the track and field but I think I’m really looking forward to track cycling! I’ve done a bit of cycling myself and it’s just got everything. I love the sprint races. You’ve got that tactical element that’s almost like chess on wheels so I just love watching that. 

5. What’s your own experience with sport? 

I grew up playing rugby, which helped transform me from a big prop to a lean back row (and also transformed my nose to the side a little). I only played at amateur level, but I do hold a world record for playing in the most Northerly game of rugby ever played at the Magnetic North Pole which was part of an expedition organised by the charity Wooden Spoon. We trekked for 7 days then set up a full size pitch and posts for a 7s game and I got to experience what it’s like to try and tackle the former England 7s captain Ollie Phillips (unsurprisingly it didn’t go so well for me). After retiring from rugby I’ve also dabbled in a bit of endurance sports, ran a few ultramarathons including the Marathon des Sables in the Sahara desert and love getting out on my road bike. 

6. Which Team Scotland athlete would you most like to meet? 

Oh that’s a tough one! There’s far too many to choose from but I’ve been doing a bit of swimming lately so I’m going to say Duncan Scott, just because he’s our most decorated athlete. But any of them really. Love all you guys. 

7. Why is sport important? 

I think sport can inspire us all, even if we’re not going to compete and push ourselves to the limits like the athletes in the game. We’re all striving for something and when you watch the Games you get to see one of the purest forms of someone giving everything to chase their dreams. It’s great to watch and I’m always inspired afterwards to get out running or on my bike. These Games the para sports are being shown simultaneously, which I think is a really good thing and will make the Games even more inspiring. When you watch people deal with adversity with such strength and positivity it really reminds you that you’ve got no excuses to not put yourself out there and chase your own dreams. 

8. How do Tens lenses change the way you see sport? 

When you wear Tens it’s hard not to be in a good mood, so if you’re wearing them in the stadium then it should make the whole day look better and more vibrant. Hopefully all the Team Scotland athletes wearing them will be in a positive mindset and we’ll see some great performances too. 

9. Tens is rooted in photography, how does that influence what you’re doing with Team Scotland? 

Photography is the inspiration behind the brand and a huge passion of mine, so I’ll definitely be trying to capture some great shots of the athletes and all the joy and emotions that the Games bring. 

10. Why is capturing sport through photography so important? 

The scoreboards and the timers will capture the results, but sport is about much more than that. The image, both still and moving, are what captures the essence of the Games. The raw emotion, the struggle, the joy and sadness, and that’s what makes these games so special. 

11. How will it feel to have Team Scotland athletes wearing Tens Sunglasses at the Commonwealth Games? 

We’re all going to be super proud. The Team Scotland athletes have been training for years in the run up to the Games and are at the peak of performance, so to see them in our sunnies is going to be pretty special. 

With Glasgow set to host an unforgettable summer of sport, Tens will be out capturing the atmosphere, energy and moments around the Games along the way.  

Follow @tens to keep up with team Tens throughout the Commonwealth Games and explore the full collection at tens.co